ReciteMe Logo

North Cumbria Asylum Seeker Service (NCASS)

What is the North Cumbria Asylum Seeker Service (NCASS)?

North Cumbria Asylum Seeker Service (NCASS) is an NHS service to help people seeking asylum living in North Cumbria. We provide:

  • Support with mental health
  • Access to specialist services to help with mental health
  • One to one support

NCASS:

  • Is free — there is no cost
  • Is judgement-free
  • Will not affect your claim for asylum

Who is NCASS for?

You may benefit from talking to NCASS if you are experiencing challenges that are making you feel very sad, worried, scared, anxious, angry or distressed.

What does NCASS offer?

Services include:

  • Referral to another specialist mental health team (such as NHS Talking Therapies).
  • An advisory letter to your doctor (GP) to commence any investigations or medical-based treatment for mental health where appropriate.
  • Signposting and information to local activities and groups which may benefit your mental health and well-being.
  • Signposting and information for other health services you may require.
  • Additional NCASS sessions for immediate low-intensity support for your mental health (approximately 4 additional sessions – this can be reviewed).

Please note that NCASS do not:

  • prescribe medications directly
  • help with assessment or treatment of physical health issues or conditions (including dental)
  • help with support with accommodation issues, legal issues, age assessments, or asylum application.

NCASS will provide information about where support for the above can be obtained.

How can I be referred to NCASS?

Please speak to your GP or case worker, or you can ask staff/volunteers from Penrith and Eden Refugee Network (PERN), Carlisle Refugee Action Group (CRAG), Multicultural Cumbria or West Cumbria Refugee Network. You can also contact us directly by email [email protected] If you write your name, language and contact number, our staff can contact you with an interpreter to set up an appointment.